By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
Six convicts condemned to death in Gombe custodial centres now have their sentence commuted to various terms of imprisonment in the spirit of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.
The State pardon is courtesy of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Also, 23 convicts will now breath the air of freedom following the declaration for their release by the Governor in a goodwill message to the people of the State to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary which also coincided with the 28th anniversary of Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa explained the clemency saying, “Following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have approved the pardon and commutation of sentences for several convicts across various custodial centres”.
He said, “This clemency includes the unconditional release of 23 convicts, the commutation of life sentences for two convicts to 15 years, the reduction of two death sentences to life imprisonment, the adjustment of one detainee’s sentence to 10 years, and the commutation of death sentences for four convicts on death row to 15 years imprisonment.
“It is my hope that this act of mercy will provide the individuals with an opportunity for rehabilitation and positive reintegration into society”, the Governor stated.
Speaking on the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Governor Inuwa described it as a time for reflection and gratitude.
“We remember the tremendous sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought valiantly to secure the freedom, unity, and sovereignty of our beloved country. Their vision of a united, prosperous Nigeria continues to guide us, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the values they lived and died for”, he stated.
For Gombe State, the Governor said, “we also mark Gombe State’s 28 years of existence with immense pride. Over the past three decades, our state has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation, positioning us as one of the most progressive and innovative states in Nigeria.
“From education and healthcare to infrastructure and job creation, our journey has been defined by resilience, hard work, and the collaborative efforts of every citizen”, he pointed out.
He then described both occasions as a milestone worth celebrating adding, “As we celebrate these milestones, it is crucial to remember that peaceful coexistence is the bedrock of our development. Gombe State is a melting pot of cultural diversity, and this diversity should be celebrated as a source of strength rather than division.
“I call on every citizen to foster unity, understanding, and tolerance. Let us continue to embrace our differences while working towards a common goal: a peaceful and prosperous society for all”, he appealed.
